Burris Makes It Official

Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) issued a statement this afternoon making official his decision, leaked yesterday, not to run in '10. But not without noting that he has been elected to statewide office in IL four times, serving three terms as comptroller and one term as state AG. And a lack of money, he says, was the chief impediment this go round.

Or something.

The statement:

"Serving in public life is not easy, but it is a noble and rewarding calling.

"Life is about choices. Make no mistake that I love serving in the United States Senate. I love serving the people of Illinois. But in making this decision I was called to choose between spending my time raising funds, or spending my time raising issues for my state. I believe that the business of the people of Illinois should always come first." "And so today, I have returned to the place where my political journey began back in 1978, back to the South Side of Chicago, back to my community and my constituency to announce that I will not be a candidate in the 2010 election, and that I will not run for the United States Senate." "I have been a member of the Senate for seven months now, and I have seen firsthand that my colleagues are thoughtful, dedicated, and loyal Americans - Democrats and Republicans alike.

"The Obama Administration and the Democrat-led Congress is bringing transformational change to this nation, and it is an exciting time to be in public service - more exciting and more filled with hope and possibility than at any time I can remember." "I made a decision as a young man to get involved in public life, never imagining I would have the great honor to serve this state and this country for as long as I have. Now it is your turn. Now it is your turn to decide how you will serve your community."